jamiew

I am a begining photoprapher and have started reading some

information on the Pen FT. The things that interest me are:

- Big film cost savings with two times as many pictures per roll.

- Smal;est SLR.

- Very good lens selection.

 

Things that worry me:

- Negative size.

- Price

 

That's about it. Normally the small negative would have been a deal

breaker for me, but I have read that at 8x10 it is functionally only

25% smaller that full frame 35mm because less cropping is needed.

 

What I am wondering is if anyone has any experience with this camera,

and can comment on what size enlargements I can expect to get,

prices, resources, etc...

 

Thanks in advance for any help.

Thanks for all the replies. I only will get one camera. It will be a primary while I learn more about photopraphy, and in the future I plan to make it a backup. I am not comparing price, but rather quality of construction and features.

I am in the market for a Nikon SLR and am trying to identify the

differences between these two cameras. Basically the only

differences I have noticed are:

 

- FE2 shutter goes to 8 sec in manual / FM3a only goes to 1 sec

- FM3a uses mechanical shutter in manual mode and FE2 is all electric

- FM3a has DX ISO option

 

What I am wondering is which is the better camera. I am leaning to

the FM3a because I like having a fully manual backup. The only thing

I am not sure of is quality, and which is actually the better

camera. Any comments/suggestions?

I have a camera where the chrome is begining to show what looks like

signs of surface rust spots (very very minor). I used to have this

super strong chrome cleaner I used on my car that works wonders on

that kind of blemish, but I would never use it on a camera. Does

anyone have any suggestions on how to clean the Chrome on a camera.

Specific product names would be appreciated.

 

Thanks

Thanks for all the advise. Based on all the comments I think I should clarify a few things:

 

- This is not intended to replace my 35mm. It is primarily intended for landscape, and experimentation.

- I did not mention my budget on purpose since I have noticed that in the fourms that when someone mentions prices people's replies seem to be VERY focused on price. I wanted to hear what people's personal opinions were. By the way, In responce to Joe's comments, the Mamiya 7II (or a Fuji) would be my camera of choice if price were not an issue, but I am not willing to invest in that kind of money until I know for sure that I love medium format. I am looking to spend less than $1,000, and preferably much less.

- Based on the comments it seems that the Rolleiflex (or other TLR) would present the least "fuss" of ownership.

I am interested in moving beyond 35mm and am currently looking for a

larger format camera. My requirements are (in no preticular order)

hand holdable, durrable, portable, great quality pictures, reletively

cheap, at least 120 film capable. Based on some research I have

selected three rather different cameras that seem to meet my

criteria, and represent (base on my research) some of the best

cameras in their respective categories. They are:

 

- Rolleiflex 3.5/2.8F TLR

 

- Zeiss (Super) Ikonta C 520/2

 

- Graflex Speed Graphic (with 4x5 and 120 back)

 

While I have read many people's opinions on each camera, for obvious

reasons I have never seen a really good comparison between the

cameras. I already have a good understanding of their sizes and the

benefits of the (limited) movements of the speed graphic so I am

looking for other comments. Here are a few questions I have:

 

- Which camera takes the best possible pictures (in order)?

 

- Which camera is the most reliable?

 

- Which camera is the most cost effective in the long run (Not

counting film, and assuming no more than one extra lens on the Speed

Graphic). I am looking for comments on repairs, CLA, parts, etc...

 

- What should I expect to pay for each camera in a condition 8,9 or

10.

 

- What other cameras would be good alternatives? I am only concerned

with brand names in the sence that they tend to have earned their

reputations. I am also wondering how much better they are than their

competition. An example of this is that the Rolleiflex 3.5/2.8F is

definatly better than the YashicaMat 124G, but is it 10% better or

something more substantial like 50% better. At what size

enlargements would I notice the difference, etc...

 

I realize that I am asking a lot, but I am a rather troubled soul in

need of advise =). I guess you can summarize everything based on me

looking for the best picture with a low price, and little fuss.